513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

25-5. Inspection Requirements.

Excavation Inspections

The Competent Person (CP) must conduct documented inspections of excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems before and throughout each work shift.
Inspections are also required after any event that may increase hazards, such as rainstorms, snowstorms, or earthquakes.
The CP must inspect when there are changes in excavation conditions, like fissures, tension cracks, or changes in size or location.

Soil Conditions/Classification

The CP must inspect and test the soil conditions at least prior to the start of each work shift and as needed.
Results of the soil tests and inspections must be documented and maintained for the duration of the project.

Air Quality in Excavations

In excavations 4 feet (1.2 m) or deeper, the air must be tested for oxygen deficiency or gaseous conditions before each work shift or more often if the CP directs.
A log of all air test results must be kept at the work site.

25-6. Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) Requirements.

Development of Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)

The Competent Person (CP) must develop an AHA for all excavation and trench work.
The AHA must detail workers' increased exposure during piping activities, especially in positions like bending or kneeling.
Include in the AHA the methods and designated locations for safe egress.

Documentation and Identification

Clearly identify and provide the credentials of the CP specialized in Excavation within the AHA.
The AHA must document the CP's ground examination results, confirming no signs of potential cave-ins.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

25-4. The air must be tested for oxygen deficiency or gaseous conditions in excavations _____.

of any depth greater than 2 feet

in excavations 4 feet or deeper

at least every hour after first entering the space

if natural air circulation is stagnant

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 25-5.

25-5. Inspection Requirements.

a.  Excavations. When workers will be in or around an excavation, a CP must conduct documented inspections of each excavation, the adjacent areas, and protective systems at the following frequencies:  (25-5.a)

(1)  Before each work shift and throughout the work shift as dictated by the work being done.

(2)  After every rainstorm or event that could increase hazards (for example, snowstorm, thunderstorm, thaw, earthquake).

(3)  When fissures, tension cracks, sloughing, undercutting, water seepage, bulging at the bottom, or similar conditions occur.

(4)  When there is a change in size, a change in location, or creation of a spoil pile. (5)  Where there is any indication of change in adjacent structures.

b.  Soil Conditions/Classification.  The CP must inspect and test the soil conditions, at minimum, prior to the start of each work shift and as conditions warrant to determine the soil classification.  Document and maintain the results for the life of the project (for example, in QC Daily Reports, excavation inspection logs).  (See para
25-8.i)  (25-5.b)

c.  In excavations 4 feet (1.2 m) or greater in depth where oxygen deficiency or gaseous conditions are known or suspected, test the air prior to the start of each shift or more often if directed by the CP.  Maintain a log of all test results at the work site.
(25-5.c)

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 25-6.